Actually it was quite fitting that the recognition of my true coming of age would be in the powerful embrace of The National Constitution Centerin Philadelphia where all around me was the enthralling evidence of a birth of a nation.

It was also invigorating that the acceptance of my growth coursed through my body, mind and spirit while in the presence of extraordinary women delegates from 50 states and the District of Columbia who had come together to help shape the future of women’s leadership in the next decade. (At the end of the Conversation, the National Delegates return to their home states to mobilize resources to implement elements of the Vision 2020 Action Agenda.)

So What Happened?

I listened and talked with women who had founded a symphony, The White House Project and many successful businesses and non-profit agencies; also professors, college Presidents, Pulitzer Prize Winner, lawyers, doctors and yes, Indian – Native American – Chief and …

I was impressed but I never diminished myself.

I was awe-struck but I never struck my accomplishments down.

I was inspired without saying “I could never do that.”

There in the halls of history, I made history. I did not compare myself and find myself short. In fact, I didn’t compare myself at all. I recognized the unique abilities and contributions of each of those women, just as I recognized my own unique abilities and contributions.

No more comparison. No more stinkin’ thinkin’. “I ain’t gonna be a face in the crowd, you’re gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud. It’s my life. It’s now or never. I ain’t gonna live forever. I just wanna live while I’m alive.”

Wow thanks for that dose of inspiration, Cherry! Put it into your heart you did. As I think the saying goes, you’ve got to take it out of your head, put it into your heart, before you ever see it in your hand. Instead of seeing to believe, you believe to see. I was singing, did you hear me? The National Constitutional Center is now on the must do list.

Cherry, this is just wonderful. I loved these three lines and will keep them close:

I was impressed but I never diminished myself.

I was awe-struck but I never struck my accomplishments down.

I was inspired without saying “I could never do that.”

I’m forever impressed by how much insight you extract from every experience, your ability to make it real, and your freedom to be you. When I read your posts, I often think of Walt Whitman’s poem, “Song of Myself,” where he connects himself to every man (and woman). Thanks for giving so much without flinching! ~Dawn